Abstract: HCV E1E2 compositions comprising E1E2 antigens, submicron oil-in-water emulsions and/or immunostimulatory nucleic acid sequences are described. The compositions can be used in methods of stimulating an immune response in a vertebrate subject.

Abstract: HCV E1E2 compositions comprising E1E2 antigens, submicron oil-in-water emulsions and/or immunostimulatory nucleic acid sequences are described. The compositions can be used in methods of stimulating an immune response in a vertebrate subject.

Abstract: A canister for holding a solid phase support for use in a biospecific binding assay is disclosed. The canister consists of a receptacle and cap, both shaped to mate with each other in a snug fit, the cap having a central opening spanned by the solid phase in the form of a thin porous disk. The central opening is surrounded by a raised surface which forms a protective wall avoiding inadvertent contact of the disk by the user or surrounding objects. The cap and receptacle are constructed so as to provide a vent when the parts are joined, providing gravitational flow of a test sample across the porous disk into the interior of the receptacle.

Abstract: A machine for transferring liquids to and from the wells of assay trays in a controlled, automated manner and a solid phase assay tray for use with the machine. The machine includes a horizontally translatable table (15) that holds the tray (46), a plurality of liquid dispensing manifolds (54) for dispensing liquids into the tray wells (50) and an aspirating manifold (65) for aspirating liquid from the well. The dispensing and aspirating manifolds are mounted on a vertically translatable head (16) above the table. Each dispensing manifold is equipped with a row of dispensing tubes (56) and is connected via a pump (58) to a liquid container (62). The aspirating manifold is equipped with a row of aspirating tubes (66) and is connected via a pump (69) to a waste liquid receptacle (73). A microprocessor (85) controls the movements of the table and manifolds and operates the pumps.

Abstract: A machine for transferring liquids to and from the wells of assay trays in a controlled, automated manner and a solid phase assay tray for use with the machine. The machine includes a horizontally translatable table (15) that holds the tray (46), a plurality of liquid dispensing manifolds (54) for dispensing liquids into the tray wells (50) and an aspirating manifold (65) for aspirating liquid from the well. The dispensing and aspirating manifolds are mounted on a vertically translatable head (16) above the table. Each dispensing manifold is equipped with a row of dispensing tubes (56) and is connected via a pump (58) to a liquid container (62). The aspirating manifold is equipped with a row of aspirating tube (66) and is connected via a pump (69) to a waste liquid receptacle (73). A microprocessor (85) controls the movements of the table and manifolds and operates the pumps.

Abstract: A method for the determination of anti-treponemal antibody in a test sample comprises contacting a substrate for the anti-treponemal antibody with sample; treating the contacted substrate with labeled antihuman Ig antibody selected from (a) a mixture comprising enzyme labeled antihuman Ig antibody and fluorescent labeled antihuman Ig antibody, (b) antihuman Ig antibody labeled with an enzyme and a fluorescent label, and (c) fluorescent labeled antihuman Ig antibody to which enzyme labeled antibody against the animal species from which the antibody used in the fluorescent labeled antibody was derived is added subsequently, and (d) enzyme labeled antihuman Ig antibody to which fluorescent labeled antibody against the animal species from which the antibody used in the enzyme labeled antibody was derived is subsequently added; determining the enzyme activity of the treated substrate; and determining the immunofluorescent patterns in substrates exhibiting enzyme activity.

Abstract: A method for the determination of anti-Epstein-Barr Virus antibodies in a test sample comprises contacting a substrate for the anti-Epstein-Barr Virus antibodies with sample; treating the contacted substrate with labeled antihuman Ig antibody selected from (a) a mixture comprising enzyme labeled antihuman Ig antibody and fluorescent labeled antihuman Ig antibody, (b) antihuman Ig antibodies labeled with an enzyme and a fluorescent label, (c) fluorescent labeled antihuman Ig antibody to which enzyme labeled antibody against the animal species from which the antibody used in the fluorescent labeled antibody was derived is subsequently added, and (d) enzyme labeled antihuman Ig antibody to which fluorescent labeled antibody against the animal species from which the antibody used in the enzyme labeled antibody was derived is subsequently added; determining the enzyme activity of the treated substrate; and determining the immunofluorescent patterns in substrates exhibiting enzyme activity.

Abstract: A method for the determination of autoantibody in a test sample comprises contacting a substrate for the autoantibody with sample; treating the contacted substrate with labeled antihuman antibody selected from (1) a mixture comprising enzyme labeled antihuman antibody and fluorescent labeled antihuman antibody, and (2) antihuman antibody labeled with an enzyme and a fluorescent label; determining the enzyme activity of the treated substrate; and determining the immunofluorescent patterns in substrates exhibiting enzyme activity. The method is useful for the rapid screening and characterization of autoantibodies.

Abstract: Erythrocytes are coated with specific hemagglutinating virus antigen and then treated to produce a stabilized, antigen coated erythrocyte preparation which is used in the determination of antibody in biological fluids.